Vauxhall error code 82 - change oil, clear and carry on? Or top up and wait for next service?

General_query

Hi, apologies in advance for my naivety here.

Have a 2011 Vauxhall Meriva B (1.7 CDTi Diesel) and a code 82 has appeared on the dash.

So it's either a service reminder or low oil "change engine oil soon" warning.





I am absolutely skint and although MOT is due in next 28 days, genuinely can't afford a service at same time. Having this error code showing is not a failure I have read.

So, do I "top up" with a bit of new engine oil and keep this warning on until it's service to be safe - or must I get the oil changed (drained and replaced with new oil)?

There is some mention of finding out how much oil is left in the manual, but I tried and couldn't get it to work as shown in the manual, please below.





....and...

General_query

Manual shows this:



So would this suffice if I "topped up" before having it's annual service?

Mobil Super 3000 XE 5W30 Oil 1L | Halfords UK



Thank you! 

Ebe_Scrooge

The way I read it, that's telling you it's time for an oil change, not that the oil is low.  As such, just adding more oil will do more harm than good (too much oil is just as bad as too little).

You could get away with leaving it a little longer, but not too much.  Diesels are very fussy about oil changes, more so than petrols.  If you're wanting the car to last, then it's false economy to not do regular oil changes.

Can you do it yourself?  I don't know that car in particular, but changing the oil and filter is usually a very easy DIY job, if you're wanting to watch the pennies.

Herzlos

The problem is that the oil gets contaminated so needs to be replaced.

If the oil happens to be pretty low, then topping it up to the maximum may dilute it enough to get you by for a bit longer, but it really needs to be changed. It's possible to do it yourself if you're comfortable with basic mechanical work, but a lot easier to get someone else to do it for you otherwise.

It might be worth asking the MOT garage how much it'll cost to do whilst it's in already, or asking around local groups to see if there's a cheap mechanic or garage who'd be able to do the work for you. Pretty much any mechanic should be able to handle it.

General_query

Thanks for the prompt responses, much appreciated. You could write my motoring expertise on the back of a stamp I'm afraid, so I can't do this myself

Last service and MOT was 22/03/2022 so it has been a year. 

General_query

Any idea of costs because if I ask the garage where it's going to for an oil and filter change while in for an MOT, I have no idea how much they will charge! Could be £50 labour then oil and filter costs, then VAT on top and could end up being what £100? Was hoping to just do the MOT then go for annual service in like 6 weeks, but doesn't sound like it could last that long and if oil isn't changed pretty sharpish could do damage

General_query

I meant £100 excluding the MOT cost.

Ebe_Scrooge

General_query said:

Any idea of costs

The owner's handbook will tell you what grade of oil is needed, and how much.  Look online to see how much x litres of the right type of oil will cost.  Stick your reg number into Euro Car Parts to see how much an oil filter will cost (probably around a tenner).  A few pence for a new sump plug.  That'll give you a good idea of the cost of parts (obviously a garage may charge slightly more if they want to make a profit on parts, or slightly less if they're super-honest and pass on any trade discount they get).  Half an hour's labour max - what does your garage charge per hour?  That should give you a reasonable idea of what to expect.  I'd guess something like £70 all in, wet-finger-in-the-air, assuming 50-quid's worth of oil/filter.  But you can phone them up and ask them beforehand - it's a known "fixed-price" job for them.

General_query

Previous servicing (all with MOT at same time)

09/04/2019  Oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter + MOT 

20/03/2020  Oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter, 2x new front tyres + MOT 

21/03/2021  Oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter and fuel filter changed + MOT 

Herzlos

General_query said:

Thanks for the prompt responses, much appreciated. You could write my motoring expertise on the back of a stamp I'm afraid, so I can't do this myself

Last service and MOT was 22/03/2022 so it has been a year. 

Did you get it MOT'd early last year, or does it really expire tomorrow?

As for cost, it'll likely be an hours labour + materials. Assuming you're taking it to a smaller independent place and not a main dealer or a specialist, I'd expect it to be under £100. You'll need to phone and ask.

Bigwheels1111

My Peugeot gave this warning message  11 months after last service, I had only done 1800 miles. I would check the level first.
If level is ok you could just reset the message.
If your doing low mileage and fully synthetic oil was used you could stretch it out until next year.
Here are some prices not knowing where you live.
Would not trust them for anything else.

Oil and filter change,

ATS Euromaster £74
Kwikfit.              £77
Halfords on your drive, poss discount if AA member £84
National tyres £84.60